Screening native plants for the sustainable phytoremediation of heavy metals in industrial areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

Environmental pollution by heavy metals is a major concern in developing countries due to rapid and unplanned industrialization and urbanization, resulting in the contamination of soil, water, and vegetation. This poses high risks to human health and environmental systems; hence, their protection is very urgent. Here, we study the natural and environmentally friendly phytoremediation of heavy metals (e.g., Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) by identifying potential native plants collected from an industrial area (Gazipur, Bangladesh). The heavy-metal concentrations in the collected soil and plant samples were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The potential native plants were identified by calculating the translocation factor (TF) and bioconcentration factor (BCF). The results revealed the highest TF values (∼4–8) for almost all studied metals in Brachiaria mutica (P-5), indicating highly efficient root-to-shoot translocation. Remarkably, Colocasia esculenta (P-8) and Mimosa pudica (P-11) showed an exceptionally high BCF (∼9) and TF (8.15), respectively, indicating high accumulation capability for Pb, while Cr was accumulated in Stellaria media (P-4), with a BCF of 7.45. Additionally, Mikania micrantha (P-3) and Urena lobata (P-10) exhibited high bioavailability and ease of Cd uptake through transport systems. Overall, these findings highlight the promising role of certain plant species in the phytoremediation process, offering useful insights for developing targeted remediation approaches in polluted environments and thereby enhancing environmental management for sustainable development.